98 replies to this topic

[sun50]

For sure; spring break time would have a BIG effect on hotel rates.

[Trimix2dive]

I suggest the beautiful town of Arlington, TX. Convenient to DFW international airport, and for me.

We could plan a day outing to Terrell and dive the tube.

Did I say that out loud

[WillDiveForBeer]

Fort Lauderdale would have access for diving Boynton and even West Palm.
We could rent a van and run a shuttle to the Miami airport.

Why not fly into Ft. Laud? It is USAirways new hub to the Carribean, so there should be lots of flights available into there.

[drdiver]

Why not fly into Ft. Laud? It is USAirways new hub to the Carribean, so there should be lots of flights available into there.

It's a viable option for those who have U.S. Air flights in their area (relatively few in Texas) although post merger that may improve. Could actually shuttle to both airports saving everyone $.

[Trimix2dive]

Greyhound - and leave the driving to them.

[WreckWench]

I like the idea of combining the seminars/convention (bad word = boring) with diving. After all...we all love to dive and if we are spending the money to get someplace we should be able to dive there.

Florida is good for LOTS of diving options and airfare options so again a good choice. Plus we have a lot of members in Florida so this automatically increases the odds of participation.

Unless we find the talent inhouse we'll need to pay for speakers and this is rather pricey. Plus we do need to find convention space so to speak and DrDiver is right...most hotels require lots of food money or conf money to use their facilities.

So we need to decide if we are doing a smaller in house seminar or attempting a much larger scale event?

The cruise idea is not totally out of the realm...most cruises are VERY inexpensive if you avoid Hawaii that is! LOL!!! We can have essentially unlimited people and the boat will not require that we spend a certain amount etc. They usually have a conf room or some other area we could make arrangements to use and then offer 2-3 half day sessions rather than 1 long day. We can dive some...spouses or non-divers can shop/sight see and we can participate in various seminars.

I think we could tailor the agenda to pull talent from our very impressive ranks and perhaps splurge on one big name so to speak...and if are crafty if they are SINGLE we might just get them for the price of admission..i.e. the cruise!

Plus there'd be no planning for the social aspects...food...diving...or fun! It's already part of the cruise. That allows us to focus on getting a GREAT deal for the cruise and getting internal talent and focusing on one or two 'extra special' speakers.

In my mind this would be easier to facilitate with just a small number of people able to be part of a planning committee.

Either way...I think a cruise or doing S. Florida is the way to do this! -ww

[dustbowl diver]

WOW, miss a few days and this idea took of like an overweight streaker at nuns convention!!

WW,

For speakers, there are enough knowledgeable folks in this community to cover topics on health, safety, training, education, gear, deco chamber, and more stuff than I can recite. The obvious key is to get volunteer commitments from those with the knowledge and background.

I think this is a fabulous idea-perhaps there is a way to encorporate charters and into the mix. You're likely on the right track with a So. Florida proposal. Lets get this on the calender for next year as a part of the trips and shows-Good job Kay!!


DBD

[steelemagnolia6]

Thank you John!! Hope that you are willing to lend a hand with the planning!!! I think that I am goingto need the help!!!

[dustbowl diver]

Thank you John!! Hope that you are willing to lend a hand with the planning!!! I think that I am goingto need the help!!!

Once this baby lands among the ranks of an official SD event, I'll be in the midst of helping in any way I can-count on it!!!!

DBD